Iowa Lakes Scholarship Opportunities

This scholarship was established by family, friends, and program alumni of Carlos to honor his dedication to the law enforcement profession. His commitment to helping others and upholding the law serves as an inspiration to recipients of this scholarship. Requirements include full-time (12 or more credits) enrollment in the Criminal Justice program.

Carrington Baker was a student who touched many lives during his two years at Iowa Lakes Community College. He was a strong leader in Iowa Lakes's Laker Life campus ministry and a Youth Leader at Grandview Baptist Church. During his time at Iowa Lakes, Cary announced to Laker Life that his dorm would be open to anyone who needed a safe place to go or just to come for fellowship with other 'Laker Lifers.' This scholarship will help keep the tradition Cary started in encouraging that community environment. The Carrington Baker Memorial Scholarship recipient must be a member of the Laker Life campus ministry at Iowa Lakes Community College and serve as a role model and leader in Laker Life.

The Chips Off The Old Block Memorial Scholarship was established in 2023, with memorial donations made to the group to honor former members. Chips Off The Old Block is a woodworking club started in Kossuth County for men and women of all ages who enjoy creating with wood. Chips members donate their time and talent by building items that are then auctioned off for charity. All the money Chips raises is returned to the communities they serve. The Chips Off The Old Block Memorial Scholarship is provided to a student enrolled full-time (12+ credits) at in the Construction Technology Program with a 2.0 or higher GPA. The recipient will receive a $500 scholarship for the Spring semester. The award may be used for any educational expense.

The Clay County Merit Scholarship was established at Iowa Lakes Community College in 1999. The Iowa Lakes Foundation hosts annual fundraising with the help of Iowa Lakes employees and community committee members to fund this scholarship. Requirements include full-time (12 credit hours), permanent Clay County residency, community service hours and a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA. Award amounts vary and must be used for tuition, books or fees.

Clyde Christensen was a long-time DNR officer passionate about the outdoors, and Frances Christensen received a teaching degree from Estherville Junior College, now known as Iowa Lakes Community College. Just before his death in 2002, Clyde established the Clyde and Frances Christensen Memorial Scholarship for students enrolled in environmental studies. Requirements include full-time (12+ credits) enrollment in the Environmental Studies program and have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. Award varies and must be used for tuition, books or fees.

The Clyde and Grace Sanborn High School Junior Scholarship was established at Iowa Lakes Community College in 2005. Several $1,000 scholarships are awarded to high school juniors from Estherville, Ringsted, Gruver, Armstrong, Swea City, Terril, Graettinger, Iowa, or Dunnell, Minnesota. Requirements include a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA and plan to enroll full-time at Iowa Lakes Community College following high school graduation.

The Corn Belt Power Cooperative Scholarship was established at Iowa Lakes Community College in 2006. Corn Belt Power is committed to the communities it serves and to renewable energy production. Requirements include a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, Iowa residency, and full-time (12+ credit hours) enrollment in the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program. Selection emphasis will be placed on the candidate's potential for success and GPA. The award is $500 and must be used for tuition, books or fees.

The Lakers First Construction Technology Scholarship was established at Iowa Lakes Community College in 2006. Requirements include full-time (12+ credits) enrollment in Construction Technology, being on track to complete 48 credit hours as of the coming spring semester, and a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. The $500 award will be presented in the spring semester.

The Lakers First Craig Evert Memorial Scholarship was established at Iowa Lakes Community College in 2013. Craig's quiet leadership and inquisitiveness inspired friends and family to honor his memory following his unexpected passing in February 2013. Family and friends support future technicians through this scholarship opportunity. Recipient(s) share his love for learning and passion for renewable energy. Requirements include full-time (12+ credit hours) enrollment in the Wind Energy and Turbine Technology program student and a minimum cumulative 3.25 GPA.

The Dave and Judy Nixon Scholarship Fund was established in 2023 following the death of Dr. Dave Nixon. Dr. Nixon was employed by Iowa Lakes and served as Campus Dean of the Emmetsburg Campus for many years. Dave and Judy's friends and family knew how much they valued education and started this scholarship to pass this value on to future students. Requirements include full-time (12+ credit hours) enrollment at Iowa Lakes and financial need as determined by the FAFSA form. Awards vary and will be split between fall and spring semesters following awarding.

David Benz Memorial Scholarship was started in 2012 by Jody and Tony Condon to honor Jody's father and his passion for motorcycles. David Benz had his first experience with motorcycling in 1960. Since then, he owned and rode many motorcycles. He lost his leg in a hunting accident and needed to find a new career. In 1980, he enrolled in Iowa Lakes's Motorcycle and Small Engine Program. His passion for the motorcycle industry continued until he died in 2018. Requirements include full-time (12+ credit hours) enrollment in the Powersports & Power Equipment Technology Program, financial need based on the FAFSA and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The award is $500 and can be used for tuition, books, fees or tools.

Dennis Hageman enriched students' lives at the Iowa Lakes Community College Estherville campus from 1967 until his retirement in 2000. Family and friends established the Dennis Hageman Memorial Scholarship in 2002 to acknowledge his impact on students. Requirements include full-time (12+ credit hours) enrollment, plans to transfer to a four-year university, minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and financial need determined by FAFSA results. Award amount varies and must be used for tuition, books or fees.

The Dickinson County Scholarship was established In 2004 at Iowa Lakes Community College. Requirements include permanent Dickinson County residency, full-time (12+ credits) or part-time (6-11 credits) enrollment and a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA. Award amounts vary and must be used for tuition, books or fees.

The Distinguished Wrestler Scholarship was started in 2014 to recognize an outstanding sophomore student participating in the Wrestling Program at Iowa Lakes Community College. Award is $500 per year for one recipient.

The Kossuth County Democratic Party has established the Dolores Mertz Scholarship in honor of her dedication and hard work for Kossuth County, serving five years as a Kossuth County Supervisor and then as an Iowa State Representative for the Seventh District between 1989 and 2010. Her leadership on the state level included two years on the DNR Commission and six years on the Racing and Gambling Commission.

The Frevert Scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Bill "Doc" and Marcie Frevert. Doc has been an active member of the Iowa Lakes Farm Advisory Board and the Iowa Lakes Foundation for many years. Marcie was involved in many educational committees in the Iowa State Legislature. Both have been supportive of Iowa Lakes and education throughout their lives. Requirements include graduating high school seniors from Palo Alto County with a minimum of 2.0 GPA and full-time or part-time enrollment at any Iowa Lakes Campus. Awards vary and can be used for tuition, books or fees.

In 2001, the Duane Syverson Memorial Scholarship was established at Iowa Lakes Community College. Duane worked in the Estherville, Iowa, area for over 40 years as a mason doing concrete and brickwork. This scholarship is meant to encourage others also to enjoy this career. Requirements include full-time (12+ credit hours) enrollment in the Construction Technology program. Preference will be given to incoming Freshmen. The award amount varies and must be used for tuition, books or fees.

The Edmund and Opal Willis Memorial Scholarship was established at Iowa Lakes Community College by family members, including their daughter, Ellen Willis Miller. Edmund taught at Emmetsburg High School and Iowa Lakes Community College. Opal taught commercial art in both the Cylinder and Emmetsburg High Schools. Requirements include a minimum of 6 credit enrollment at Iowa Lakes - Emmetsburg Campus; Emmetsburg Public School District resident or graduate returning to the area; science, math or office/secretarial field; and minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA. Award varies and must be used for tuition, books or fees.

The Emmet County Izaak Walton Conservation Scholarship was designed in 2014 for an Environmental Studies student from the five-county area Iowa Lakes Community College serves. Priority is given to students from Emmet County. Requirements include full-time (12+ credits) in the Environmental Studies program in their second year, a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need based on the FAFSA. The scholarship committee reviews all eligible candidates, and awards are based on their recommendations.